First of all, let’s understand what this class is all about. The term of Geography is commonly associated with memorizing the names and locations of rivers, mountains, oceans, countries, and so on. That is only a small part of what Geography is about. This class will focus on understanding the world in spatial terms, the human and physical characteristics of places and regions, how the physical processes change the earth, how human activities shape the earth, the interaction of the physical and human systems, and how to use geographic knowledge and understanding to connect to today’s world. This year we will study these areas as they apply not only to the world in general but in detail to a country of choice. I will try to make this class as interesting as possible. There will be some assignments during the year that are best completed with family input.

Class Procedures

Although each class will determine their class rules there are some Princeton ISD policies that you need to be aware of. It is very important to read the 2006-2007 Princeton ISD Student Handbook and Code of Conduct as the information below is merely a summary of some important policies and procedures. Your signature at the end of this document states that the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct has been read and understood.

Attendance:

If a student is truant any work due on that day will NOT be accepted. In other words, the student will receive a “0”. There will be no opportunity to make up the work unless truancy is appealed and recognized by school administration.
A student is tardy if they are not in their assigned seats when the late bell rings.

Late Work:

Work is considered late if it is not turned in when due. If an assignment is due at the beginning of class and it is turned in at the end of class it is late.
There will be two grades for most assignments. One grade will be for the work itself and this is not reduced if it is late. The other grade is for having assignments submitted on time. This is the grade that is affected when an assignment is late.
Every student will receive one (1) late excuse slip to use when chosen. If this slip is lost there will no replacement issued.
If you are absent the day of an assignment, quiz, or test you must make it up within 2 days of returning unless specific arrangements have been made with me.

Extra Credit:

There will be opportunities for extra credit but only if ALL classroom assignments are turned in, even if no credit is received for any specific assignments. In other words, extra credit does not replace regular class assignments. So even if thee will be no points received credit for an assignment, do the work so you can have extra credit available to you.
All extra credit assignments will be identified by mutual agreement to insure relevancy to subject matter and it is of interest to the student

Grading:

Grading ranges will be determined by pre-established guidelines and will NOT be based on a curve ratio. Generally, the percentage categories are as follows:

90 – 100 = A

80 – 89 = B

70 – 79 = C

69 or lower = F

The individual assignment grade is calculated in percentage. If grade is stated in points just divide the points received by the total points possible to determine the percentage.

We are partners in your student’s education! The success of that partnership is, in large part, determined by your support and how well we communicate. The following are important points in achieving that success:

If you have any questions, concerns, or issues please contact me as soon as they arise.
You can access your child’s grades and attendance through the Princeton ISD web site. If you think there is a problem the sooner we talk about it the sooner it can be resolved. If too much time has elapsed then there may be nothing that can be done. A problem is very difficult to resolve the last couple of weeks of the term.
Do not get behind in class work. The most common problem when a student receives a lower than they are capable of is they let themselves get behind. This includes studying for a test at the last minute or trying to rush through homework and/or test preparation. I can understand if this occurrence is rare but consistent late work is not acceptable.

Parents are invited to attend class any time either as a contributor or observer. The contribution of experiences, cultural background, and travel would be greatly appreciated. Please let me know if you can participate.

My phone number at school is (469)952-5400. My e-mail address is rscott@princetonisd.net. Princeton provides every teacher with a web page so parents can know the status of assignments, grades, attendance, e-mail, etc. Please take full advantage of this.

Be sue of one thing…I will do everything I can to help your student be successful. If they are not passing it is because they have made that choice. I will do everything I can to be a positive force in their life, as I hope they will be in mine.